Can rats eat cheese?
No — avoid
Not blue cheese. The PDSA advises never feeding blue cheese to rats, and cheese in general is very high in fat and salt.
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- Serving
- Never
- How to prepare
- Do not feed in any form
- Benefits
- None
The details
The RSPCA recommends avoiding high-fat foods such as dairy for rats. If you want a reward during training, a tiny amount of plain, unsweetened yogurt is a better choice than any cheese.
What to do if your rat ate it
Call a vet straight away — ideally one who treats exotic pets — and don't wait for symptoms. Rats can't vomit, and the RSPCA warns that even a small amount of something harmful can kill them. Tell the vet what your rat ate, roughly how much and when, and bring the packaging if there is one. Don't try home remedies or human medicines: the RSPCA warns these are very dangerous to rats.
Sources
Last updated: September 29, 2026
This guide is general information based on RSPCA and PDSA guidance and does not replace a veterinarian. If your rat seems unwell, please contact an exotic-pet vet.